Midnight Run (1988)

Director Martin Brest rocketed to the top of Hollywood's A list with the blockbuster success of Beverly Hills Cop, and this 1988 follow-up is even better. Midnight Run is a genuine rarity--an action comedy that's dramatically satisfying--thanks to a sharp script by George Gallo, the superb teaming of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, and Brest's consummate skill in combining suspense and humor with well-developed characters. De Niro plays a maverick bounty hunter whose latest assignment is Grodin, an accountant accused of embezzling from the Mob. De Niro thinks he's in for an easy job, transporting Grodin (who's afraid to fly) from New York to Los Angeles, but soon discovers that both the FBI and the Mafia are hot on Grodin's trail. Equal parts road trip, action thriller, and a quirky character study, Midnight Run moves at a breakneck pace but still gives De Niro and Grodin time to create rich, memorable performances as two men who seem to be opposites, but gradually develop mutual respect and admiration. Mainstream entertainment at its best. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

"We got him, We got the Duke!!!"

Wow! How we LOVE this film to pieces, and I scratch my head at those who don't get it. I never saw this lovely gem back in the `80s, "But I was just a kid..." My dad took me to see "Roger Rabbit," and that was my main interest. I actually do remember seeing a theatrical TV spot for "Midnight" at the time. "These guys have 5 days to get from New York to Los Angeles..." For years; I pondered what film that commercial was for. I'd skipped many syndicated viewings of "Midnight" over time (probably best I missed the edited `cut' anyway), until a couple years ago. My sister & mother had tuned-in on of the 100+ movie channels, and I sat in for the latter half. Both the "In the next life" & "The desert run chase" scenes were what clinched it for me. I also scratch my head as to `how?' this film escaped me for 20 years.

As of this date; I am a total devotee to "Midnight." I recently won a vintage `Advance' poster off E-Bay, which was put out right before the movie was released. I've nicknamed it "The White Poster." It's 27X40, and has this same pose (from an actual still) of De Niro & Grodin fleeing. The day-by-day taglines are listed above the picture. Sorry; this poster seems to be one-of-a-kind. Good news is that the Nostalgia Factory has "Midnight" press kits/stills available, for those of you hunting merchandise. I bought the soundtrack album from an Amazon seller as well. If you Google "Erasing Clouds - Midnight Run," you'll find a nice little article about the film too.

I don't own the HD version, but my thanks to those of you who've written reviews. Hopefully; Universal will put out a Blu-ray copy in the future? Like most of you; I hold great hope for a future commentary track + those deleted scenes we all know exist. I'd love to hear Martin Brest's own story about his "baby." For those of you who see the "Rain Man (Special Edition)," check out the commentary tracks by both Barry Morrow & Ron Bass. They will give you some insight into Brest's involvement in both "Rain Man" and "Midnight."

"The tough bounty hunter & the sensitive criminal" are definitely at the heart of this film. It's a true labor of love from the creators/crew & all the actors. They're what really make this film a lasting gem! The icing on the cake are Danny Elfman's score, and also Grodin's facial expressions. I can't help but think about "Midnight," whenever I see a package of Chorizo at my supermarket. That's still on my taste-test list.

"See you in the next life": the Blu-ray review.
May 18, 2008

Max Entertainment

I will admit to more than a little bias, as this is my favorite film, period. The byplay between DeNiro (in his first comedic role) and Charles Grodin is just precious -- Grodin as the carping accountant-on-the-lamb who drives bounty hunter DeNiro crazy in their cross-country jaunt. The dialog is snappy, the action first rate, and the supporting cast (Joe Pantoliano as the sleazy bail bondsman, Yaphet Kotto as the frustrated federal agent, and John Ashton as the competing bungling bounty hunter -- oh yes, and Dennis Farina as a truly nasty mob boss) could not be better. I watch it probably twice a year, and my daughter and I quote dialog which seems to apply to a myriad of our own life situations. First rate entertainment.Midnight Run [HD DVD]Midnight Run May 18, 2008

Average Run

Based on the reviews on amazon.com I ordered this dvd and quite frankly was disappointed with the movie. The action was nothing more than average compared to other flicks of this genre. In fact, the scene at the bus stop with the hit men (snipers) getting ready to take out the character played by Grondin was so unbelievable it was ridiculous (but not comical). Which leads me to the other issue I had with this movie. The comedy fell relatively flat as well. A mediocre mark for a mediocre film...3 stars. April 22, 2008

MIDNIGHT RUN

FUNNY MOVIE, HD FORMAT MAKES THIS A MUST FOR CHARLES GRODIN & ROBERT DE NIRO FANS April 5, 2008

Great "buddy" film

From the uplifting music to the witty (sometimes ad-libbed, I believe) repartee between the two stars to the believable, well-acted supporting characters, this movie is a winner.

Grodin is a very underrated actor. The meeting with his daughter and ex-wife is very touching, his rants about lyonnaise potatoes are hilarious, and his impersonation of an FBI agent tracking phony bills is priceless.

Buy or rent this movie and enjoy it! February 23, 2008

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